“Midori and Prince Makoa are waiting to take you to the grotto.”
“Jed, why didn’t you say so sooner?” Lizzy scarfed down the rest of her food.
“I better hurry up so I can change.” Rose quickly put some of the dirty dishes in the sink.
“Honey I got this.” Cole quickly got up giving her a kiss, then began filling up the sink with hot water and dish soap.
“Thanks honey, it really is a girls’ day.” She smiled and then went to change.
~~~
Lizzy was a little nervous about riding atop Midori’s back; she still wasn’t sure if she should encourage him in any way with things with Robbie still up in the air.
Midori was as happy as always which made her smile. She was glad of their friendship at the least.
Prince Makoa swam Rose down and through the entrance of the grotto.
Midori did the same with Lizzy.
Seturus smiled as she saw them surface. She was beginning a pot of clam chowder to go with the cheddar cheese scones she had made in a three-legged cast iron pot with lid. Rose had given it to her along with the recipe. She sat on the ledge and stirred the pot of chowder.
“I’m glad you invited us for a visit; it smells delicious.” Rose smiled letting go of Makoa and then jumped up on the ledge and stood by the fire to warm up a bit.
“Me too and it does.” Lizzy let go of Midori and smiled to Seturus and then back at him as to say thank you.
Mr. Big Eyes barked enthusiastically when he saw Lizzy; she always gave him some attention.
“Hello there cutie.” Lizzy pet his head.
“I will return when you have need of me.” Makoa grinned to Rose giving a slight nod of his head and dove into the water.
“I will see you later when you are ready to leave.” Midori gave a wide smile to Lizzy and also dove into the water.
“Jireh was so full of energy this morning and wished to spend time on the yacht.” Seturus added some seasoning to the pot.
“Yes, little boys can get rambunctious when they’re penned in a small space for any length of time. I know Will is going to keep him busy playing games.”
“He loves to spend time with Will.” Seturus smiled.
“Believe me Will enjoys his company also.”
“How are you feeling today?” asked Lizzy.
“I no longer have the sickness of the morning; the baby is growing and stretching within me.” She smiled as she rubbed her now round tummy.
“It won’t be very long and you’ll have another little one swimming in the grotto.” Rose went and sat down next to her.
“No it will not; only two more months.”
“I hope you have a little girl this time.” Lizzy smiled.
“It would be good, but I shall be thankful for either Arius chooses to bless us with.”
The three girls enjoyed the afternoon of visiting together in the grotto, even though they missed Lana and Princess Rose’s company, but understood why Titus wanted them to remain safe within the city.
Lizzy was finally able to share her feelings about Robbie and Midori in the privacy of the grotto with the women.
Rose was grateful Lizzy could talk about it and process her feelings.
~~~
When Will finally finished the breakfast his mom left for him, he did invite Jireh to play his game in his cabin. They were two peas in a pod atop the bunk.
Jedediah finally got the privacy with his father he was hoping for, “Dad, I have something I need to talk with you about.”
“Okay,” said Cole thinking this was how Titus’ conversation started not long ago.
“I need some financial advice.” Jedediah grinned.
“Why would you have a need for such?” Cole raised his brows not sure about this one.
“Let’s just say if a guy came across a lot of gold bullion how would he go about transferring it into cash?” Jedediah couldn’t keep from chuckling at the look on his father’s face.
“Jedediah, what do you think you’re doing?” Cole said angrily knowing the Mer treasure was to be kept secret and off limits.
“Calm down Dad; it’s not what you think. It’s not for me, well not exactly, but for the Mer.
Now Cole let go of his anger which was replaced with curiosity, “Okay, I do have some connections; tell me everything.”
Jedediah continued to tell him about a proposition he had to help the Mer for the future, but was to be kept secret from everyone except Titus and a few of the Mer which was necessary.
~~~
That evening, Prince Tristan swam into the Hall and bowed before King Titus.
“Is he still not eating?”
“No my King, he refuses all food; he does not look well.”
“Have Prince Makoa try; he may relent to him,” Titus said with concern.
“Yes my King.” Prince Tristan swam from the Hall.
It was not long and Makoa swam to the jail with a live crab and two lobsters.
The prisoner seemed much thinner since he last saw him.
Makoa held the food out to the merman through the iron bars.
He lifted his weary head to see who it was and some recognition sparked in his eyes, “I knew your father Ahanu.”
Makoa tried not to allow his words to pierce his heart, “You need to eat.”
“Why do you care if I should die?”
“I do not, but my King does.”
“You are much like your father and I know why your King wants me alive so he may get me to reveal my Queen.”
“Yes, we would like to know where she is, but he is concerned for your health.”
“Why?”
“Because he is a good King who cares about everyone and wishes all could live in peace.”
The prisoner sneered, “Peace; is there such a thing?”
“Only if all care for others and choose to live by it.”
“Do you know I am brother of Ahanu? He was broken the day your mother Nuttah died.”
Makoa knew it was possible; his father had several brothers who he himself said were bloodthirsty Mer and his father told him his heart broke when his mother died.
“I am called Megedagik and it is so; many of us are warriors, but your father was always different.”
“I am at least glad of that.”
“He thought we could have peace like your King, but the Kings of Tiselius only pretended to elevate the dark ones; we were not equals.”
“King Titus is not so, like King Titan before him.”
“Is that why you where a crown?”
“Yes, King Titan proclaimed me a Prince and King Titus proclaimed me his successor before the battle of the Mer should they both die.”
“I do not believe you.”
“It is true, only after you kidnapped our Queen did I refuse to be his successor and deferred to his son Prince Tarrock.”
“Why would your King ever allow a dark one anything of his kingdom?”
“Because we have been brothers since the day you left our pod. I am now mate to the King’s daughter.”
“These are strange things which I have never before imagined.”
Makoa grinned, “Please eat; you need your strength.”
He took the offered crab and lobsters and quickly devoured them.
“May you sleep well Megedagik.” Makoa smiled and then swam from the jail.
The prisoner wondered if all Makoa told him was true and if his own people had been told lies of this unusual Kingdom. He also wondered if Ahanu had come to know it and chose to lose his life defending his son against his own Mer of Tiselius.
He bowed his head and rested peacefully for the first time since his capture.
~~~
Midori quickly swam after Asuka as she darted in and out of the coral reef gardens. He could certainly catch her, but was enjoying the chase too much.
Asuka giggled and said, “I have always swum faster than you!”
“Oh you have, we shall see!” He sped
even faster and passed her then caught her up into his arms as she crashed into his chest.
She looked up into his eyes and smiled.
He once more realized how beautiful she was and now saw her long hair was completely white as it swirled all around her with the gentle current inside the city.
He was torn between continuing to hold her so close or releasing her.
“I am happy to be living so near you again.” She placed her hand upon his cheek.
“I am also.” He grinned, but was becoming a little uncomfortable; he nearly kissed her. He quickly released her.
She smiled once more and wrapped her arm around his as she had done so many times before in their former Kingdom.
They both continued to slowly swim through the gardens together.
~~~~~
CHAPTER NINETEEN
KALOKI CHRISTMAS EVE
Cole and Micah were anchored at Kaloki Island again. The sun was beginning to set; which was the appointed time for the Mer to meet in the lagoon. Everyone else had already gone to the island for fun, feasting and celebration except for Lana and Lizzy.
Lana had given a gift to Lizzy for Christmas; it was a sealskin bottom she had made for her, like the one she wore.
Lizzy had put it on and also her shell top and belt. She began brushing her hair.
“Come on Lizzy, all the Princesses are wearing them; Christmas Eve is a formal occasion for the Mer,” said Lana.
“Okay, but I don’t think dad’s going to like it.” Lizzy opened up her jewelry box and took out her grey pearl crown.
Lana got them and placed them on top of Lizzy’s head, “Now you’re ready.” She smiled.
Lizzy also smiled looking into her mirror; she saw her shell top, belt with her knife and her pearls, “Wow, I really am a Princess and I guess it’s about time I stop hiding the fact, at least on Kaloki Island.”
“Yep.”
Lizzy had her parents take her beach bag with her towel blanket on ahead.
Now both girls left Lizzy’s cabin and jumped off the side of the schooner.
King Titus brought Queen Lana with Prince Titan and his Dolphin Tempest.
Midori brought Lizzy.
Jedediah was already getting Mer volleyball started; he was atop Prince Tarrock. Faith was atop Prince Ulysses.
Jireh and Mr. Big Eyes swam in the lagoon with his Mer cousins and the three Dolphins.
Seturus and the Mer mothers enjoyed watching their children and visiting with one another.
Lizzy and Midori joined the game.
Soon Talei joined in atop Prince Makoa.
Cole looked out at the lagoon while sitting in his deck chair on the beach next to Rose. He didn’t like Lizzy wearing the pearls.
“Honey, you have to admit she really is a Princess.” Rose smiled.
He sighed, “Yeah I guess she is isn’t she; besides I know it’s a special occasion.” He grinned.
Will and Jireh took turns watching those in the lagoon and playing Will’s game on the beach.
Everyone was so busy watching the Mer volleyball match they didn’t see a small fishing boat approaching on the other side of the island and then driving up to the wooden dock.
“Thanks, I really appreciate this,” said Robbie as he picked up his black duffel bag and grey hoody. He tried to tip the elderly boat owner from Suva.
“No, no, Cole Prentis told me you might be coming and paid; the ride is free, Merry Christmas!” He smiled and started to drive away.
“Merry Christmas!” Robbie waved from the dock. He was surprised Cole would expect him to come to Kaloki Island.
He heard a commotion on the other side of the island so he walked around on the sandy beach, not wishing to cross the center and disturb its residence.
As he got closer he could definitely hear Jedediah and Lizzy talking smack to one another and knew they must be playing some sort of game.
He rounded a cluster of Palm trees and sucked in a breath; he saw Lizzy atop Midori wearing a crown of pearls on her head of now long black hair. He saw her shell top and Sealskin bottom.
He also saw she wore a belt and knife like he’d seen Lana wear during her rescue he and his father helped to bring about so long ago.
Lizzy a Princess; am I too late? He thought.
Cole caught a glimpse of him just as he slowly walked around the Palms, “Hey Robbie Merry Christmas!”
Robbie grinned and walked over to Cole, “Merry Christmas to you too!”
Lizzy heard her father and then saw Robbie. His appearance was so surprising, not only because he was there but also because his red hair was now down to his shoulders.
The college would never allow him to wear his hair like that? She thought, but he looked healthy and fit like he had in college; maybe even stronger.
He had on a lime green short sleeve swim shirt which definitely showed off his muscles and black board shorts with matching lime trim.
Midori sensed this was Lizzy’s intended and was not sure if she liked him being there or not; he knew he did not like it. He continued to hold onto her legs as she was still on his shoulders in the lagoon.
Robbie looked over to her and then saw the look on Midori’s face, I guess you’re none too happy I stopped by and I’m glad you can’t read my thoughts about it either, he grinned.
“Hi Robbie what are you doing here?” Lizzy smiled.
“I thought I’d come and celebrate Christmas with you if you don’t mind that is?”
“Wonderful Robbie,” said Rose not sure what Lizzy thought about it just yet.
Lizzy continued to smile and realized Midori was gripping her legs tightly and not allowing her to get down.
She said in her mind, “Its okay Midori, he’s not going to hurt me.”
“If he does I will drown him.” He still continued to leer at Robbie, but he slowly took Lizzy down and into his arms and then gently set her in the water never taking his eyes off of Robbie.
Robbie understood full well what he was implying.
“Hey Rob,” called Jedediah trying to stop the icy stares between the two.
“Hey Jed, how’s it goin’?”
“Good, glad you could make it in time to celebrate with us.” He walked out of the water and gave him a fist bump.
“Glad I could make it too,” he said glancing back at Midori.
Lizzy now walked out of the water and stood next to Robbie. She was still really nervous and knew Midori must have picked up on it and thought it was more to do with fear than nerves.
“Hey beautiful,” said Robbie with a bright smile.
Lizzy smiled back and noticed even his eyes seemed to smile, “How did you get here?”
“Three planes and amazin’ly a fishin’ boat willin’ to bring me here,” he chuckled.
“Wow, I can’t believe you’re really here.” She continued to look into his beautiful green eyes realizing how easy she could forget about the past and knew she still needed to be careful; especially with that Southern drawl of his.
“Yeah me too, but it was worth it if I could only spend an hour with you Liz,” he said seriously.
“Well, it won’t be long now and the celebration will start,” said Cole knowing the air was becoming a little too thick.
The Kaloki warriors began to beat on their drums and the food was brought out on the long woven mat on the beach.
“Come sit down by me.” Lizzy had Robbie sit with her on her towel blanket next to her parents.
Will sat down next to Robbie on the other side.
Lana, Jedediah and Jireh came and joined them for the meal.
Talei, Anue and Faith joined their families also.
Midori still stared at Lizzy and hated he could not be the one sitting on the beach beside her.
Asuka swam beside him and smiled up to him.
He let go of his anger and smiled back down to her.
~~~
After the meal, Ratu Daniel with Santa hat on his head had his chair brought out ont
o the beach.
The Island and Mer children gathered to hear the Christmas story.
Ratu Daniel told it to them and then everyone joined together singing Christmas carols.
Soon Santa Clause arrived and began passing out candy canes from his large red sack to the children on the beach.
Another Santa Clause swam in the lagoon and passed out coconuts from his large net bag to the Mer children.
King Titus wore the Santa hat Ratu Daniel gave him and grinned, “I still find it strange to see him dressed like that.”
Lana said, “Titus!” She didn’t want Titan to know it was his brother Makoa.
Titus chuckled and helped open the coconut for Titan.
Jedediah went back in the water and got Kawikani to take Lizzy’s place.
He didn’t dare ask Robbie to play; he knew he’d definitely get injured the way the Mer had come to care for Lizzy as one of their own; some of the thoughts he was hearing about it weren’t pretty.
Cole and Rose kept much of the conversation going as to keep Lizzy from being too uncomfortable with Robbie so close.
~~~
As the celebration was ending Cole said, “Robbie you’re welcome to stay with us tonight.”
“Are you sure it’s alright?” He looked to him and also Rose and Lizzy.
“Sure Robbie, we’d love to have you stay with us.” Rose heard Lizzy’s hopeful thoughts.
“Please do.” Lizzy smiled.
“I’m not sure how to get over.” Robbie grinned lifting his duffel bag and hoody.
“Let me get Micah or Andrew to row you over in the canoe.”
“Okay, sure.”
“Will can ride over with you and bring the deck chairs and Lizzy’s beach bag.”
“Sure,” said Will flipping his hair out of his eyes. He’d always liked Robbie and hoped Lizzy and he would get things straightened out.
~~~
Midori swam Lizzy to the schooner.
Lizzy could sense his jealousy and it surprised her since he never really shared his feelings with her before and especially with his obvious feelings for Asuka lately.
Legend of the Mer III Song of Sirens Page 13